Tue May 28 9:03am ET
By JEFF PAUR
Sr Fantasy Writer
Robinson setup for big season
Using our rules for our money leagues, we came up with a schedule strength ranking for the running back position. We are using our fantasy defenses report to calculate the rankings. This report can be found in all of our leagues under the "reports" heading. We took the schedule of each team and entered the average number of fantasy points allowed to running backs last season from all of their opponents to get our fantasy points allowed number. This is a good indication of the running backs with the most favorable schedules for fantasy scoring for the coming season. Defenses obviously change from year to year, but knowing the running backs that might have the easiest schedule for fantasy is always a good idea when formulating your rankings and draft strategy.
RB SOS | ||
1. | Green Bay Packers | 356.01 |
2. | Houston Texans | 361.46 |
3. | Tampa Bay Buccaneers | 361.46 |
4. | Las Vegas Raiders | 361.48 |
5. | Seattle Seahawks | 362.28 |
6. | Buffalo Bills | 363.19 |
7. | Arizona Cardinals | 363.76 |
8. | Dallas Cowboys | 363.9 |
9. | Jacksonville Jaguars | 364.51 |
10. | Washington Commanders | 364.86 |
11. | Chicago Bears | 364.89 |
12. | Indianapolis Colts | 365.41 |
13. | San Francisco 49ers | 365.86 |
14. | New Orleans Saints | 366.49 |
15. | New York Jets | 368.23 |
16. | Detroit Lions | 368.49 |
17. | Philadelphia Eagles | 369.05 |
18. | Minnesota Vikings | 369.06 |
19. | Carolina Panthers | 369.88 |
20. | Cleveland Browns | 370.34 |
21. | Kansas City Chiefs | 371.71 |
22. | New York Giants | 372.21 |
23. | Los Angeles Chargers | 373.19 |
24. | Denver Broncos | 373.32 |
25. | Cincinnati Bengals | 373.66 |
26. | Los Angeles Rams | 374.09 |
27. | Baltimore Ravens | 374.16 |
28. | New England Patriots | 375.60 |
29. | Atlanta Falcons | 376.19 |
30. | Miami Dolphins | 377.49 |
31. | Tennessee Titans | 378.2 |
32. | Pittsburgh Steelers | 378.72 |
The two teams with the easiest fantasy schedules for running backs are the Steelers and Titans, which is interesting because both teams could platoon running backs. The Steelers split the work between Najee Harris and Jaylen Warren. And the Titans are likely to use both Tony Pollard and Tyjae Spears. All four backs could be setup for solid seasons with favorable schedules. It is always scary to take a back that might split work but seeing these positive schedules could make pulling the trigger on them a little easier come draft day. All four could be top flex plays for fantasy teams.
The Dolphins had huge success running the ball last year and could have similar solid production this season with the third easiest fantasy schedule for running backs. Devon Achane is really looking good in year two. He is expected to get more work and likely lead the backfield in touches. Raheem Mostert had a career season last year and a great schedule but he carries a little more risk. He is 32 years old and now has rookie Jaylen Wright pushing him for playing time. Just something to keep in mind come draft day.
The Falcons are another team with a top-five favorable running back schedule, making Bijan Robinson a very intriguing pick this year. Robinson had a bit of a disappointing rookie season, but a new coaching staff and really favorable schedule make Robinson a huge breakout candidate. He is moving up draft rankings in a hurry and is capable of finishing first overall in fantasy running back scoring because of his skill set.
Rhamondre Stevenson is a possible rebound candidate. He was slowed by injury last year but is back healthy and with the fifth easiest schedule for running backs. Stevenson has shown in the past he can be a big-time fantasy back. Things are looking up for him this year, making him a good buy-low candidate.
The Packers had the easiest fantasy schedule for quarterbacks but get the toughest for running backs. This isn’t great news for new back Josh Jacobs. It is hard to bet against the productive back, though. You just might want to temper expectations for him this coming year. Jacobs could have a few down weeks, especially for his standards.
The Texans signed Joe Mixon to shore up their running back spot, but he carries some concerns. He wasn’t highly productive the last few seasons besides all his scores and now gets the second toughest schedule for running backs. Plus, the Texans are likely to be a pass heavy team, which could limit his workload a little. Mixon could end up being a boom or bust player.
Tampa also has a unfavorable fantasy schedule for running backs. Rachaad White had a big season last year but padded his numbers because of all his work in the passing game. That might be a similar scenario for him, having a tough time to run with this schedule. The positive for White is he is very good in the passing game. You have to worry about his rushing totals, though.
The Raiders haven’t really settled on a starting running back, but Zamir White is likely to get first shot at the job. That is great news for his fantasy value but the not so great news is his tough fantasy schedule. This could limit the ceiling of White a little. He has risk to begin with because it isn’t 100 percent certain he wins the job. This makes him a bit of a scary pick for fantasy teams.
Kenneth Walker didn’t have quite the breakout second season many hoped but was fairly productive with his work. And the good news is Zach Charbonnet didn’t really put a big dent in his workload. The Seahawks seem happy with Walker as the lead back. The unfortunate news for Walker is he has the fifth toughest fantasy running back schedule. Walker might fail to reach his lofty expectations once again in year three.
We also wanted to look at playoff schedules for fantasy running backs. So we crunched the numbers of all the schedules from Week 14-17, which is the fantasy playoffs for most leagues. We know you have to get to the playoffs first, but knowing the running backs with the easiest playoff schedules doesn’t hurt by any means, especially in the big money contests.
RB PLAYOFF SOS | ||
1. | San Francisco 49ers | 291.43 |
2. | Washington Commanders | 325.2 |
3. | Houston Texans | 327.8 |
4. | Pittsburgh Steelers | 332.03 |
5. | New York Jets | 337.57 |
6. | Cleveland Browns | 340.8 |
7. | Las Vegas Raiders | 341.1 |
8. | Miami Dolphins | 348.27 |
9. | Chicago Bears | 350.37 |
10. | Buffalo Bills | 350.53 |
11. | Arizona Cardinals | 352.8 |
12. | Dallas Cowboys | 358.87 |
13. | Detroit Lions | 359.7 |
14. | New York Giants | 365.67 |
15. | Kansas City Chiefs | 366.53 |
16. | Green Bay Packers | 368.97 |
17. | Seattle Seahawks | 370.23 |
18. | Carolina Panthers | 377.15 |
19. | Tampa Bay Buccaneers | 378.37 |
20. | Los Angeles Chargers | 380.73 |
21. | Jacksonville Jaguars | 381 |
22. | Baltimore Ravens | 381.43 |
23. | Cincinnati Bengals | 383.50 |
24. | Philadelphia Eagles | 391.07 |
25. | New England Patriots | 397.95 |
26. | Indianapolis Colts | 398.40 |
27. | Denver Broncos | 399.53 |
28. | Tennessee Titans | 401.63 |
29. | Los Angeles Rams | 403.92 |
30. | New Orleans Saints | 406.33 |
31. | Minnesota Vikings | 407.87 |
32. | Atlanta Falcons | 422.4 |
There are two teams with a top-five favorable schedule for fantasy running backs for both the regular season and playoffs. Those teams are the Falcons and Titans. Atlanta actually has the easiest fantasy playoff schedule for running backs. Robinson was looking good even before hearing this news but looks even better now. He is making a strong case to be the second running back off the board come draft day.
And Pollard and Spears are intriguing running back options with schedules that could produce big for both during the regular season and playoffs. You just have to worry about one back emerging to grab most of the work. If that happens, one of these backs could end up being a bust.
Minnesota has the second easiest playoff schedule for running backs. Aaron Jones has some injury concerns after the last few seasons, but he could be setup for a big workload with an unsettled quarterback situation in Minnesota. Jones has some good upside with his new team, especially during the playoffs.
One other team to mention for the playoff is New Orleans. Alvin Kamara isn’t getting any younger but remains the lead back and still productive. He still seems to have something left in the tank and could be a big fantasy factor for at least one more season, especially when it matters most in the playoffs. He could be a difference maker, having the third easiest fantasy schedule for running backs.
Houston is the lone team in both the top five for the toughest regular season and playoff fantasy running back schedules. This is an obvious concern for Mixon. He is looking more and more like a player you might to avoid come draft day. He might have some big games along the way in this great offense, but you have to wonder about his consistency and playoff performance.
So the top rated fantasy back, Christian McCaffrey, also has the toughest fantasy playoff schedule for running backs. You aren’t fading McCaffrey because of this. He is one of those rare backs that it doesn’t really matter who he plays. McCaffrey will produce. We still think he is the clear No. 1 fantasy back. He can still get it done in the playoffs.
Washington has Brian Robinson and Austin Ekekler likely splitting the work at running back, which hurts both their fantasy values. They also get the second most difficult playoff schedule for running backs. We wouldn’t reach too early for either back because of this.
The Steelers have the easiest fantasy running back schedule during the playoffs but fourth toughest for the playoffs. This is a tough one. Both backs have potential for good things, showing they can co-exist last year and produce well for fantasy teams. You just have to wonder if fading in the playoffs will make all that good work during the regular season all for nothing.
Jeff Paur is a two-time finalist for FSWA Fantasy Football Writer of the Year and won the FSWA award for Best Fantasy Football Article on the Web in 2011. He also was the most accurate expert in 2012, winning the FSTA Fantasy Football Accuracy Award. If you have any questions for Jeff, email him at [email protected]. Follow Jeff on Twitter @jeffpaur.
Seattle Seahawks running backs Kenneth Walker III and Zach Charbonnet (undisclosed) are both expected to sit out of Saturday's preseason game against the Tennessee Titans. Charbonnet missed both joint practices against the Titans this week and will almost certainly sit on Saturday. With both Walker and Charbonnet out, it will place more of an emphasis on the RB3 battle between Kenny McIntosh and George Holani. McIntosh, a seventh-round pick in 2023, entered training camp as the slight favorite. The injury to Charbonnet doesn't appear to be serious enough to put his availability in question for the Week 1 regular-season opener. The 23-year-old was a clear second fiddle to Walker in his rookie season and will probably struggle for standalone fantasy value in his second year in the league as long as Walker stays healthy. At best, Charbonnet is an RB4 bench stash in PPR leagues.
From RotoBaller
New England Patriots wide receiver Kendrick Bourne (knee) didn't play in the team's second preseason game on Thursday night against the Philadelphia Eagles and remains on the Physically Unable to Perform list in training camp with just a few weeks until the start of the 2024 regular season in early September. Bourne suffered a torn ACL in his right knee last October and has yet to practice with the team this summer. At this point, it would be a surprise if the 29-year-old were ready for Week 1, and with either quarterback Jacoby Brissett or rookie Drake Maye running the offense in 2024, Bourne's fantasy stock has plummeted drastically he had a career-high 800 receiving yards back in 2021. The longer Bourne remains out, the more opportunities open up for rookies Ja'Lynn Polk and Javon Baker and Demario Douglas and KJ Osborn, among others.
From RotoBaller
New Orleans Saints head coach Dennis Allen said that rookie offensive tackle Taliese Fuaga's (back) injury isn't serious and he should be ready to go for Week 1 of the 2024 regular season in early September. Fuaga has been held out of training camp practice this week due to back tightness, but it appears the Saints are erring on the side of caution with the 22-year-old offensive lineman, who was taken 14th overall in April's NFL draft. Fuaga's health will be worth watching heading into the start of the season, as the 6-foot-6 rookie is expected to start his first year in the NFL as New Orleans' starting left tackle as the blind-side protector for quarterback Derek Carr.
From RotoBaller
The Miami Dolphins plan to play their starters for the second preseason game on Saturday against the Washington Commanders, according to head coach Mike McDaniel, but which starters and how much they'll actually play remains a mystery. Players like quarterback Tua Tagovailoa and running backs Raheem Mostert and De'Von Achane will suit up but probably won't play more than a handful of offensive series as they prepare for the 2024 regular season. Miami's backfield and whole offense was incredible in 2023, and fantasy managers are expecting more of the same in 2024. Achane's blazing speed and big-play abilities make him the more attractive fantasy commodity as a low-end RB1/high-end RB2 going into his second NFL season, even if Mostert is technically still a starter. The Dolphins list Mostert and Achane as co-starters on the depth chart, with rookie Jaylen Wright the favorite for a role as the RB3.
From RotoBaller
Minnesota Vikings rookie quarterback J.J. McCarthy (knee) was officially placed on the season-ending injured reserve on Friday afternoon. In a corresponding move, the Vikings signed quarterback Matt Corral, who will compete for the No. 3 job. McCarthy missed practice earlier this week as he was dealing with knee soreness but eventually underwent an MRI, which showed a tear in his meniscus. The Michigan product underwent knee surgery on Wednesday and will now focus on recovering for the 2025 season. This is a tough blow for the former national champion, who looked quite sharp in the pro debut on Saturday as he went 11-for-17 with 188 passing yards and two scores. Fantasy managers should expect Sam Darnold to serve as the starting quarterback in Minnesota this season, with Nick Mullens slotted as the No. 2.
From RotoBaller
Free-agent quarterback Matt Corral is signing with the Minnesota Vikings after they placed first-round selection J.J. McCarthy (knee) on Injured Reserve. McCarthy suffered a torn meniscus earlier this week and underwent season-ending surgery as a result. Corral will likely compete with Jaren Hall for the No. 3 spot on the depth chart as Sam Darnold is slated to start and Nick Mullens to serve as the backup. Corral was drafted by the Carolina Panthers in the third round of the 2022 NFL Draft. Corral then joined New England but never once saw the field with these two teams. Fantasy managers should expect Jaren Hall to serve as the No.3 quarterback in Minnesota as he started in Week 17 last season and served as the emergency quarterback on several occasions, but if Corral looks sharp in the preseason, he could make the final roster.
From RotoBaller
New Orleans Saints rookie quarterback Spencer Rattler (thigh) told the media that he is feeling 100% amid his thigh injury. The fifth-round pick in this year's draft reportedly suffered a bruised thigh in Saturday's preseason game. Before the injury, Rattler looked quite sharp in his pro debut, going 9-for-17 with 70 passing yards and a rushing score. This injury kept him out for a few days, and he is now past the minor setback. Even though Jake Haener is currently serving as the backup in New Orleans, Rattler could contend for that role, given his performance last week. Dynasty managers should continue to follow Rattler during the preseason, as he could be worth stashing if he continues to take advantage of any playing opportunities.
From RotoBaller
Washington Commanders wide receiver Jahan Dotson expressed that he is "not where he wants to be" after Thursday's practice. Dotson further expressed, "I'm trying to grow every single day that I come out here. Trying to find something to get better at every single day." These comments came just a few days after head coach Dan Quinn told the media that the Commanders are still searching for the No. 2 receiver. Dyami Brown led all wide receivers in yards in their first preseason game on Saturday afternoon and has been having a fantastic training camp. Fantasy managers should continue to pay close attention to the Washington wide receiver room during the final two weeks of the preseason, as it may decide who plays alongside Terry McLaurin this fall.
From RotoBaller
San Francisco 49ers rookie wide receiver Ricky Pearsall (shoulder) is hopeful to be ready for Week 1, according to head coach Kyle Shanahan. The first-round selection in this year's draft recently suffered a shoulder injury last week at practice. This was the same injury that kept Pearsall on the Non-Football Injury list earlier this spring. This is a tough blow for the Florida product, as he could have cemented himself as the No. 2 wide receiver in San Francisco amid a contract holdout with Brandon Aiyuk. Seeing that Shanahan is hopeful the 23-year-old could be ready for opening week is a great sign. Fantasy managers should take a look at Pearsall at his current 131.0 Yahoo ADP, as he may be a value if Aiyuk is eventually traded. If not, fantasy managers should expect Pearsall to split time as the No. 3 wideout with Jauan Jennings.
From RotoBaller
Arizona Cardinals rookie wide receiver Marvin Harrison Jr. continues to shine at training camp this summer. During Thursday's practice, Harrison created separation with a nice move at the top of the route to get open in the end zone. The 22-year-old highly-touted prospect has been one of Arizona's brightest stars at camp all summer long, and he's being treated as such with a costly second-round fantasy ADP in drafts already in Year 1. Harrison has drawn comparisons to a young A.J. Green, who was also a No. 4 overall pick in the NFL Draft in the past, and he's all set to be quarterback Kyler Murray's top target with the Cardinals. Harrison dominated at Ohio State in 2023 to the tune of 18.1 yards per catch through 67 receptions (12 games) with 12 touchdowns and a massive 29.3% target share.
From RotoBaller
ESPN.com's Jeremy Fowler believes Arizona Cardinals running back Trey Benson is likely to cede the majority of rushing attempts to James Conner in 2024. After totaling 1,040 rushing yards in just 13 appearances last season, Conner is locked in as Arizona's lead back to start the campaign. However, the Cardinals selected Benson with the second pick in the third round of the NFL Draft to provide a change of pace in the backfield for this year. It's also worth noting that Conner is riding an expiring contract in 2024, which would figure to make him a trade candidate when we get closer to the deadline around midseason. Benson, 22, profiles similarly to a young J.K. Dobbins based on workout metrics, and he's unlikely to see more than the occasional carry on early downs as an RB4/5 luxury stash in fantasy drafts while Conner is around and healthy in the desert.
From RotoBaller
Cincinnati Bengals offensive tackle Orlando Brown believes running back Chase Brown is primed for a breakout year in 2024. "If I could play fantasy football, I'd take him as my first running back," the four-time Pro Bowl left tackle said of Brown. "He's going to have a year. I guarantee it. Special talent, special player." Brown represents a popular late-round pick as an RB4 for fantasy managers this summer, ranking 12th among qualifiers at his position in full-PPR fantasy points per opportunity (0.91) in his rookie season a year ago. Incumbent veteran Zack Moss is set to start the season as Cincinnati's lead back, but the Bengals figure to be more inclined to get Brown involved as a change-of-pace back after workhorse starter Joe Mixon's offseason departure to the Houston Texans. Brown, 24, should at least see plenty of usage in the passing game after posting 11.1 yards per catch over 14 receptions in 2023.
From RotoBaller
The Buffalo Bills plan to play quarterback Josh Allen and the team's healthy starters for a quarter and half of Saturday's preseason game against the hosting Pittsburgh Steelers. The playing time could change depending on the weather, considering there is rain in the forecast at Acrisure Stadium on Saturday. Allen as well as the star and veteran players made a brief appearance in last week's preseason opener against the Chicago Bears, but weather permitting, it sounds like fantasy managers will get a more extensive look at Buffalo's first-team offense on Saturday against the Steelers. One of the top storylines to watch is how the Bills' receiving corps might shakes ou; third-year receiver Khalil Shakir, veteran wideout Curtis Samuel, and rookie second-rounder Keon Coleman have yet to separate much in terms of ADP this summer.
From RotoBaller
When the Kansas City Chiefs signed wide receiver Marquise Brown (shoulder) as a free agent this offseason, he immediately became their most accomplished and experienced wideout. The Chiefs are expecting Brown back in their lineup early in the season but not necessarily in time for the Sept. 5 regular-season opener against the Baltimore Ravens. Quarterback Patrick Mahomes said the Chiefs are feeling his absence. "We lose a little bit of that veteran-type receiver in that room," Mahomes said on Thursday. "We have other guys that can replace him a little bit, but to have that much talent and have a good understanding of what I want hopefully we're getting him back sooner rather than later." Mahomes dealt with a league-high 35 dropped passes by his pass-catchers in 2023, and he'll likely have to lean on tight end Travis Kelce as well as receivers Rashee Rice and Xavier Worthy to begin 2024.
From RotoBaller
New Orleans Saints head coach Dennis Allen said on Friday at training camp that wide receiver Rashid Shaheed (toe/foot) is dealing with either a toe or foot injury. Allen wasn't sure when sharing the news with reporters, so with the extent of the issue not yet known, it's something for fantasy managers to monitor going forward. It's fair to expect the Saints to take a cautious stance and hold Shaheed out of Sunday's preseason game against the hosting San Francisco 49ers at Levi's Stadium at the very least. The 25-year-old former undrafted wideout has carved out a significant role in New Orleans' passing game as a formidable deep threat opposite star receiver Chris Olave, racking up 15.6 yards per catch across 46 receptions last season. Shaheed should be considered day-to-day until more clarity becomes available.
From RotoBaller
Dynasty | The Bills have released wide receiver Chase Claypool. Dynasty Analysis: This seemed inevitable when he was placed on IR earlier in the week. He'll get an injury settlement and be free to sign with another team when he's healthy. Claypool has been battling a toe injury and was unable to much of anything this off-season for Buffalo, who seemingly lost patience with his status and was unable to wait for him to heal. Claypool should latch on somewhere but we haven't seen anything to get us excited in years now. He's best left on waivers in dynasty leagues.
Dynasty | Drake Maye completed 6-of-11 passes for 47 yards in Thursday's preseason game against the Eagles, adding four carries for 15 yards and a touchdown. Dynasty Analysis: Maye's numbers don't really reflect how well he played. He looked calm in the pocket and had one significant deep pass dropped. After the game, Jerod Mayo said the competition between Maye and Jacoby Brissett isn't settled and that's significant news as Maye was not expected to be considered to start week one as of two weeks ago. Clearly making strides, Maye continues to be a solid top-5 pick in Superflex leagues.
New Orleans Saints running back Alvin Kamara (back) was not spotted at Friday's practice. That makes a third consecutive absence at training camp due to a back issue for Kamara, who appears all but certain to sit out Sunday's preseason game against the hosting San Francisco 49ers at Levi's Stadium. Fantasy managers shouldn't be concerned with Kamara's injury at the moment, but it would certainly be encouraging to see him back on the field at some point next week with the regular season quickly approaching. It doesn't help the Saints that there remains no sign of second-year back Kendre Miller (hamstring) at practice. Veteran power back Jamaal Williams makes sense as a bench stash in deep fantasy leagues while New Orleans' backfield remains banged up, and he figures to draw the start on Sunday against San Francisco.
From RotoBaller
The Cincinnati Bengals agreed to terms on a three-year, $16.5 million contract extension with kicker Evan McPherson on Friday, according to his agents. McPherson will earn $10 million in new money in the first year of the deal, the most ever for a three-year kicker extension. The 25-year-old former fifth-round pick in 2021 out of Florida earned his extension by making 83.9% of his 93 field-goal attempts in his first three seasons in the NFL with the Bengals, including going 126-for-132 on his extra points in 49 regular-season games. McPherson went 26-for-31 on field goals and a perfect 40-for-40 on extra points in 17 games for Cincy last year. All five of his missed FGs in 2023 came from over 50 yards out. With quarterback Joe Burrow (wrist) back from injury, McPherson should be drafted as a top-12 fantasy kicker in 2024.
From RotoBaller
The Los Angeles Rams plan to hold out the same players that missed the preseason opener in Saturday's preseason contest against the Los Angeles Chargers, including wide receiver Cooper Kupp and running back Kyren Williams. Kupp has been healthy this summer during training camp, but head coach Sean McVay isn't taking any chances with the team's key players in the preseason this year. It remains to be seen if the 31-year-old Kupp or other key players will even suit up for the preseason finale next week. Kupp missed the first four games of 2023 with a hamstring injury, so it makes sense as to why the Rams want to rest him this summer. With better health, a bounce-back campaign in 2024 is possible for a player only a couple years removed from a league-high 145 catches, 1,947 yards and 16 touchdowns, but the presence of rising star Puka Nacua won't help Kupp's cause.
From RotoBaller